What is the quickest way for Laguna Beach to raise more revenue other than taxes and parking fines? That’s right, honey, put up a parking lot.

In the interest of maintaining village appeal through zoning restrictions and height limitations, the city has constrained business development to the extent they gross more revenue from parking meters than retail sales (see Adopted Budget). It should be no surprise the $44 million dollar village entrance has a provision for 580 parking spaces (143 reserved for city employees) paying $1,500 (estimated) per space per year.

Too bad the business of parking cars is revenue neutral. Until Laguna Beach city management plans and implements a viable business district (Emerald Bay to Montage), Laguna Beach will remain a parking lot.